Care of the plant Lavandula angustifolia or English lavender |
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The Lavandula genus, Lamiaceae family, comprises 20 species of shrubs and subshrubs native to the Canary Islands, the Azores and the Mediterranean region. Some species are: Lavandula angustifolia, Lavandula dentata, Lavandula x intermedia (hybrid), Lavandula stoechas, Lavandula lanata, Lavandula spica, Lavandula latifolia. Common names: English lavender, True lavender, Common lavender, Garden lavender. This species is native to the Mediterranean region. They are shrubby or sub-shrubby plants of low and compact bearing that reach 50 cm (1.64 feet) in height. They have aromatic greenish-gray leaves, opposite arrangement and linear shape. The abundant flowers (violet, blue, pink or white) appear in spikes on the leaves and produce a pleasant aroma; they attract butterflies and bees. They bloom in summer. They are used in rockeries, to form groups, to cover dry and sunny areas of the garden and in pots for terraces, balconies and patios. They are ideal for coastal gardens due to their resistance to salinity. The aroma repels aphids and mosquitoes and the cut flowers are used in cabinets to repel moths. Lavandula angustifolia needs full sun exposure and a temperate climate. They resist frost. They grow in poor, rocky and sandy soils, better if they are limestone. They are easy to grow plants that do not usually need watering because they are maintained with the little Mediterranean rain. Fertilize with manure in autumn and with mineral fertilizer in early spring. After flowering it is advisable to prune the entire crown to maintain a compact appearance. They are very resistant plants to the most common pests and diseases but are sensitive to overwatering. They propagate by cuttings in summer or late winter. |
Images of the plant Lavandula angustifolia or English lavender |
 Lavandula angustifolia  Lavandula angustifolia  Lavandula angustifolia |